A life of generosity is encouraged throughout Scripture, with warnings against the dangers of stinginess. In Proverbs 23:6-8, the wise are cautioned against dining with those who are miserly, while Acts 20:35 records Jesus' teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The book of Proverbs also notes that a stingy attitude can lead to poverty, as seen in Proverbs 28:22 and the paradox that generosity can lead to prosperity in Proverbs 11:24. Additionally, James 1:5 encourages those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously.
Relevance Score
51%
Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies; for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.